NAM Action Collaborative on Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector Executive Summary and Reflections from Phase 1 (2021-2023)
There continues to be an immediate, actionable opportunity to mobilize health professionals, health sector entities, and leadership to reduce the environmental impacts of the health sector, as well as invest in and advance climate resilience and sustainability.
Given this, the NAM launched the Action Collaborative on Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector (Climate Collaborative) in 2021, with its first phase of work running from September 2021 through December 2023. Bringing together the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the Climate Collaborative serves as a neutral platform for participants to set sustainability goals together, and to advance progress across priority areas through collaboration, coordination, communication, shared learning activities, and collective actions.
Achievements and Outputs
130+
leaders brought together to co-develop and implement a shared climate and health action agenda
30+
resources produced for the health sector
70+
organizations joined the Climate Collaborative
Achievements and Outputs
During Phase 1, the Climate Collaborative brought together 130+ leaders to co-develop and implement a shared climate and health action agenda, producing over 30 resources for the health sector hosting meetings. Of that 130, 70+ organizations joined the Climate Collaborative during Phase 1 as Network Organizations, that actively supported and contributed to the work of the Climate Collaborative.
Impact
The NAM participated in several high-impact events to further raise awareness on health sector decarbonization and share resources—ranging from briefings and roundtables at the White House to Climate Week NYC and the Forbes Sustainability Summit. The volume of external event invitations increased significantly during the second year of Phase 1, signaling the unique and trusted role of the NAM as a leader in health sector decarbonization.
Member Progress Highlights
- In September 2023, The Joint Commission (“TJC”) announced a voluntary Sustainable Healthcare Certification (SHC) program for U.S. hospitals, providing a framework to help organizations begin, continue, or expand their decarbonization efforts and to receive public recognition for their commitment and achievements in contributing to environmental sustainability. Thank you to Collaborative Member Dr. Jonathan Perlin, CEO of TJC!
- In April 2024, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMS Innovation Center) announced its plan to launch a voluntary Decarbonization and Resilience Initiative as part of its proposed Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM). This proposed initiative would invite TEAM acute care hospitals to identify how they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve patient outcomes through voluntary reporting and technical assistance on reducing emissions. Thank you to Collaborative Member Dr. Liz Fowler, Deputy Administrator and Director for CMS Innovation Center!
In October 2023, the NAM issued a statement on its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by setting decarbonization targets and emissions reduction goals, signaling that the Climate Collaborative has had internal impacts.
Who We Are
Climate Collaborative
The Action Collaborative serves as a neutral platform through which to facilitate dialog and discussion among representatives from multiple sectors around topics of mutual interest and concern.
Accelerating the National Climate and Health Movement
Beginning in Phase 2, the NAM Initiative to Accelerate the National Climate and Health Movement is open to all organizations in all health-related organizations interested in taking action to address climate change and its impacts on human health.
The NAM aims to serve as a coordinating body to build and sustain momentum of organizations addressing climate and health across the nation. This initiative will broaden this national movement to mobilize health-related organizations, provide guidance and resources, and facilitate relationships across participating organizations.
